Update: Change of Address Media Coverage & Links Need to contact us? Please send an email to collin-ursula@collinbowen.com *After a careful examination and background check of Collin records, the Department of the Army has approved the request of having the burial at Arlington National Cemetery.  Only "the best of the best" receive the honor to have their final resting place in this place. Almost every year during Memorial Day, Collin and I would go to DC and make a special stop at Arlington National Cemetery.  In more than one occasion he mentioned to me how great it would be to be buried there. So I jokingly replied, ok, if you happen to leave first, I'll make sure that happens. Then he said, well it's not that easy, you have to be a war hero to even be considered, so it's unlikely for that to happen.  Who would have known that his wishes would come true much earlier than anyone could have guessed. It's with great honor that I'm able to fulfill his wishes. However, nothing is owed to me. It was Collin's outstanding achievements and meritorious service that has allowed me to be just an intermediary to make sure his wish comes true. I love you and forever will, Ursula Bowen ------------------ Marion, Indiana Thursday, March 20th Arlington, Virginia Tuesday, March 25th Saint Mary's Catholic Church 7301 Annapolis Road Landover Hills, MD  20784 (map) 9:00am Visitation 10:00am Service 1:00pm Interment, Arlington National Cemetery (Directions) Everyone is welcomed to attend No Flowers Please   -----------------------------   SFC Collin J Bowen Collin has been promoted to Sergeant First Class January 18, 1970 - March 14, 2008     14 years in the Service Computer Science, UMBC 2005 Marion High School, 1988 Collin volunteered to go to Afghanistan on November 2006. On January 2nd, 2008, about two weeks before coming back home, he was injured in action. Can't see the newest update? Hold the "Ctrl" key and at the same time press the "F5" key or the "refresh" icon on the web browser You may have seen a reduction in the details of the updates. The purpose is to ensure Collin’s privacy and to avoid disseminating inaccurate information. The only information approved to be released and considered to be accurate is below. 10 Mile Run in Washington DC - October 5th, 2008 For several years now, every October Collin, many soldiers and friends from his unit in the MD National Guard have participated in the Army-Ten-Miler.  CPT Crumpler, LT Keene and MSG Lowe told us that this year they will be running for Collin!  Click here to learn more about the Army Ten-Miler. Go to January Updates > Wednesday, March 12th Update: Collin has been fighting very hard today. However, his body is not responding to the treatments for the last several hours.  We will be by his side all night.  Thank you for your support and please keep him in your prayers. Wednesday, March 12th Collin had a follow up surgery today and he tolerated it well.  There will be a few more surgeries on his abdomen. Collin continues fighting and showing us his strength.  The medical staff at Brooke Army Medical Center provides an amazing level of care.  However, they don't just care about the medical part. They are also compassionate, kind and very supportive during this time of emotional struggle for our family.  Thank you so much. This is a difficult but very important week in Collin's journey to recovery. Thank you for your prayers and continued support. Tuesday, March 11th Collin had a last minute surgery last night to try to correct some problems found in his abdomen. This type of surgery has a very high risk in burn patients. However, doctors said that the benefits outweigh the risks. Collin tolerated the surgery well. The following hours and days will be critical for his recovery and in determining the success of the procedure. Monday, March 10th Collin receives continuous care and support as we wait for him to become stable again. Sunday, March 9th On Friday March 14th, a mass will be said for Collin's health. Angela Silva, Ursula's friend from high school, and her family are inviting everyone in Bogota to attend. For more information, please see the section Español. Thank you so much to all of Ursula's high school friends who have been in continuous contact with her to provide their support. Friday, March 7th Collin is receiving some ventilatory support and several medicines to help him go through some of the issues he is dealing with now. He didn't respond to the doctors requests all day. However, when I went to visit him on Thursday evening, I got as close as I could and I said "mi vida, can you stick your tongue out for me?  Just do it once so I can tell the doctors you did it."  Can you guess what he did next?  Yes! He stuck his tongue out!  The nurse was close enough to us to see it, and the doctor was static to hear the news. Thank you for your support! Ursula Thursday, March 6th ---STABLE Collin went through different procedures during the last two days to ensure all issues are being covered. The most important thing right now is that even though there will always be some steps back, his overall condition has improved.  Last weekend Collin's "Compadre" (Gabriela's Godfather) Pablo and his friend Vladimir brought Gabriela to San Antonio and visited Collin.  Pablo and Collin have been buddies since they met each other the winter of 2002 while they were shoveling snow after a big blizzard.  Our backyards became the place to cookout as soon as the weather would allow it.  These friends have shared many fajitas - and beers - but most of all, a strong friendship.  Pablo and his wife Tiffany have always been a big support to me - Ursula - and Gabriela during Collin's deployments.  Last year they made sure we wouldn't spent Christmas and New Year by ourselves.  They redecorated their guest room just so that Gabriela and I would be comfortable spending the night there. They showered us with presents and love. Both nights ended with Collin's call from Afghanistan to let his friends know how grateful we were for their friendship and support. Yesterday, Aunt Liz and Steve arrived from Indiana to visit Collin.  CPT Boyd who deployed to Afghanistan with Collin, also visited him today. Sunday, March 2nd --STABLE Today, 2 months after the attack, Collin continues his path towards recovery. Jason Flemming, Collin's friend since they enlisted in the Army 20 years ago, visited him this weekend.  Jason and his wife Sherie, who also was in the Army for 22 years, spent a few days with us. It was amazing to see Collin responding to his friend just after surgery. Generally, after an operation, Collin spends a few days in what it seems a deep sleep.  However, when Jason stared to talk to Collin and joke about stuff they used to do, Collin smiled at his friend at least three times right after he would make a funny comment or remind him about something they did in the past. Thank you Jason and Sheri for coming and we look forward to seeing you soon.  Also thanks to Aunt Marsha, Dean and Scott who spent the week with Collin's mom. Thursday, February 28th Collin had one more surgery today to continue covering his wounds.  He is currently recovering, and even though he is still a little unstable, he seems to be taking steps in the right direction. We'll keep you updated. Tuesday, February 26th Collin had eye surgery today. He was in the OR for about 10 hours. Doctors worked on the right eye, which is the one that sustained the most serious injury.  The final results of this intervention won't be clear for some time, as Collin will need to participate in the assessment of his vision. Collin did well with the anesthesia and now is resting and recovering satisfactorily. Thank you everyone for your prayers and good wishes. Monday, February 25th Yesterday,  aunt Marsha, uncle Dean and cousin Scott arrived. Today Collin was more responsive, and at about 9:30pm he acknowledge the presence of uncle Dean by nodding his head.  A few minutes later he stared to pronounce a two word sentence over an over again, but we couldn't figure out what he was trying to say. The nurse came into the room and asked him if he was in pain, to which he replied by forcefully moving his shoulders up and down, and trying to raise his right hand so hard that it seemed he was going to rip the band that was holding his arm to the armrest. He seemed frustrated, but we were glad to see he has enough energy to display his emotions. He later calmed down. Also, earlier during the night visit, I brought a cassette player with Gabriela's voice saying "I love you daddy, te amo papá, get well soon".  Once Collin started hearing his little girl's voice he tried to smile three times and moved his eyes repeatedly.  I don't know how to explain his smile... it was a kind of sad one... The way you smile when you're thinking of someone you love very much and miss so much it hurts... Saturday, February 23rd Collin had some complications breathing on his own, so he went back in the ventilator. Right now he is stable and doctors are keeping an eye on him to make sure everything goes back to normal. Major Donahue came to visit today. He presented to Collin's wife and family all of the medals he had been awarded prior the incident, including the Bronze Star Medal.  The medals will be displayed soon, check back often Thursday, February  21st Good night kiss Collin continues recovering well from yesterday's surgery.   Tonight, I -Ursula- was getting ready to leave after the night visit. So, I got closer to Collin's face and said “mi amor, good night” and I blew him a few kisses.  Then I asked, can you blow me a kiss? And to my amazement, he contracted his lips to blow a kiss!!!  It was a slow but strong motion. Then he repeated it two more times!  My first good night kiss in months! Thank you mi amor! Wednesday, February 20th Collin had one more surgery today to continue covering his wounds. He spent a few hours in the OR, and now he's recovering satisfactorily.  SFC Arms, who served with Collin in Afghanistan, flew in today from the MD eastern shore to visit Collin.  Thank you very much for your support! Tuesday, February 19th Collin remained stable all day and was responsive in a few occasions. Sunday, February 17th SGM Endsley and Mrs. Endsley came today and pampered us again with a delicious homemade meal. Spaghetti pie and chocolate cake.  Thank you for bringing a little taste of home back.  Collin spent all day resting and somehow unresponsive. However, by 8pm he was moving  on command which made us smile once again.  Thank you for your prayers. Saturday, February 16th Collin's last week's surgery recovery continues well. After a few days of unresponsiveness, yesterday Collin first wiggled his toes after I asked him.  Seeing him moving on command again made me jump up and down!   Then he started raising his hand, and as I held it he would gently relax it on top of mine. In evening his dad got to experience the same wonderful connection.  Later that night, he was moving a lot. So, some medicine was administered, and he stared to relax again. Gary and Gayle -The Quilt Lady- came to visit today. They brought their love and caring, as well as 24 CD's full of music for Collin, and this flag from the Patriot Guard Riders signed by 150 rireds. I wasn't very familiar with communities of riders. Collin always liked bikes, but we never talked much about it.  Last year, all the sudden, Collin calls me one day from Afghanistan and tells me... You know, Harley-Davidson has a great deal on bikes for soldiers in Active Duty overseas. I asked, "well, are they any bikes where you can install a child seat on and I also fit?"  As you can imagine, he answered, "no, goofy".  So I replied, "ok, I guess we're going to have to wait for some years until the baby grows up".  I really just wanted him to come back home safe and sound, and try to keep him away from any activity that seemed dangerous...  I never thought or really knew of your support to our troops. Patriot Guard Riders, Thank you for your support!     Thusday, February 14th - Happy Valentines Day! We may soon hear Collin's first words!  Yesterday, doctors changed Collin's tracheostomy valve for a speaking valve. It just means that when he's ready, the valve can be closed and the air will go through his vocal cords allowing him to speak!  We look forward to that moment and let you know right away. Wednesday, February 13th Collin remained stable all day, and started to respond on command more to the nurses.  Tuesday, February 12th Update: Collin's surgery went well and he is recovering right now.  He continuous to breath on his own.  We expect him to become stable throughout the night. Collin will go once again to the OR.  Doctors need to make sure all his wounds are covered, so they will retouch any places where the grafts may not be taken.  Even though I could call this a "routine" surgery, it carries all the risks of any surgery. However, we are excited to know that Collin's wounds are almost all covered, and that this will take him much closer to recovery. Aunt Lynn, uncle Gary, aunt Trish, his dad and I got to see him right before surgery. Lynn and Gary are now going back to Indiana. It was very nice to meet you.  Thank you for enduring a 20 hour drive. Please be safe, and I hope to see you soon again. 1LT Robin Crumpler arrived on Sunday, and LT Chris Keene and MSG Jeff Lowe on Monday.  They deployed with Collin in the same team, and worked together in Afghanistan for several months.  Seeing Collin for the first time is generally very emotional for everyone.  However, I know that hearing his friend’s voices and words of strength give Collin the extra push to keep going.  This is just another mission, and his comrades are going to make sure they all finish it.  Robin, Chris and Jeff told me great stories about their time together; the stress, the good missions, the disagreements among them, the thoughts that go through the mind of husbands and boyfriends while they’re separated from the significant one…  It’s been so  nice to have them here, and remember those times before deployment when Collin and I would hang around with them, generally in “Tuesday Nights”. Almost every Tuesday night a lot of the guys would meet to play basketball at the armory. Many of those days, Collin was in charge, so we would go to the wholesale store and buy Gatorade, sodas, hot dogs, buns and chips.  Then, they would spend the night playing basketball and having a beer. Those of us who didn’t play, watched a movie or simply talked.  After Gabriela was born, she also became part of Tuesday nights. Everyone just would carry her around, and she loved it! Talking to Robin, Chris and Jeff about those days brought this warm and familiar feeling that I can’t describe.  It was like for a moment, I was back at the armory and waiting to see Collin come through the door all sweaty and asking for a beer to cool down after the game. Thank you for coming, thank you for the strength you provide to Collin, and for the wonderful memories you brought with you. Please click here to read the article in the Frederick County News Gazzete about LT Keene welcome home celebration and his mention of Collin's attack.     Please click here to see the slide show 1LT Crumpler created: "Bowen in Afghanistan" Left to right: (Back) MSG Lowe, SFC Thompson, MAJ Donahue. (Front) SSG Bowen, 1LT Crumpler, LT Keene. Saturday, February 9th Collin had a great day.  Not only was he breathing on his own, but the oxygen level he needed was low.  They may give him a break over night and put him back on the ventilator for a while.  Collin has been off the dialysis machine for more than three days now. That's two days longer than the doctors expected.  They are putting him back now, as his renal function needs some help. Overall, he's had a very good week. Thank you for your prayers! Friday, February 8th Collin had another good day.  He was breathing on his own most of the day, and all his vitals were strong and stable.  The temperature of his room was lowered as he's being able to control his temperature better.   Tomorrow they may take him off the ventilator and only provide oxygen. It will be just a trial to see how he does.  He hasn't needed to go back on dialysis either! Thursday, February 7th Today Collin was stable. He responded to his mother, brother and wife shortly but several times.  Doctors always caution us by reminding us that Collin still is far from where he should be, and that the road ahead is very long.   However, his healing is going in the positive direction right now. Tuesday and Wednesday, Brian Hill and Charlie Wardle, Navy Corpsmen, who served with Collin in Afghanistan visited Collin. Charlie flew in from Colorado, and Brian flew in from Chicago to Madill Oklahoma, picked up his father and both drove to San Antonio.   Mr. Hill is the Cumberland Baptist Church Pastor and his entire congregation have been praying for Collin.  Thank you very much for your visit and your prayers. Wednesday, February 6th Collin was taken off the dialysis machine, and his ventilator was changed for one less aggressive. Even with these changes he was pretty stable all day.  At night, Collin mouthed to Ursula "I love you" several times! Tuesday, February 5th Collin continued to be stable throughout the night. Doctors decided to take Collin to the OR this morning to complete the grafting of his left leg, and to retouch some other areas as needed. Please also check "Justin's Corner" to read about a special moment between Collin and Ursula. She said: "under different circumstances I wouldn't be sharing this, but I can't keep it to myself, as it says a lot about his condition.  Anyway, everyone who knew us, saw us kissing and hugging all the time". Monday, February 4th Collin has spent a couple of days of deep rest and sedation.  He's still in several antibiotics and the dialysis machine.  Nurses report that most of his grafts seem to be taking and healing pretty well.  Collin's lungs seem to be also healing even though he still has pneumonia. The tube feeding was restarted at a very low rate and he is tolerating it. Saturday, February 2nn It's been a month since the attack.  Today Collin remained in what it seemed a deep state of sedation.  Now we rest assured that we don't need to wonder so much if he's in pain and cannot say it. Yesterday we realized that if he's in pain, we will be able to tell very easily. The head anesthesiologist met with the family and provided a very detailed explanation regarding the blood pressure and sugar drop.  We now pray so that he can become stable again.  Please read Justin's Corner for more information. Friday, February 1st  Collin's sugar was back to normal today. However, he a had big drop in blood pressure. The nurse wanted to make sure he would keep Collin as painless as possible, but Collin didn't tolerate the dose.  The medical personnel had to counteract the effect of the pain medicine for a while, so Collin laid in pain for several hours.  Even though it was very difficult to see him in pain, it allowed us to see that he is very much inside those bandages and strong to fight. He moved his arms and Mom and Ursula each held a hand. If they wanted to let go, Collin would start reaching for them again. By the evening, the pain seemed to be controlled and Collin seemed to be resting peacefully. The highlight of the weekend is the arrival of SFC Thompson, Collin's long time friend and who just came back from Afghanistan. Please click here to read Justin's Corner and find odut about the very meaningful SFC Thompson's visit. Collin & Chuck in Kansas a couple of days before leaving for Afghanistan in January 2007.